logo
U.S. bombing dents but doesn't destroy Houthi threat in Yemen

U.S. bombing dents but doesn't destroy Houthi threat in Yemen

Straits Times07-05-2025
FILE PHOTO: A police trooper walks on the rubble of a building destroyed by U.S. air strikes in Sanaa, Yemen April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah/File Photo
WASHINGTON - A nearly two-month-long U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen dealt heavy damage to the Iran-aligned Houthis but U.S. officials and experts caution that the group is expected to remain a vexing adversary despite a ceasefire announced on Tuesday by Washington.
President Donald Trump said U.S. forces will stop bombing the Houthis because they had agreed to stop attacking crucial shipping lanes under a deal that Oman said it mediated.
While the chief Houthi negotiator confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters, he said it did not extend to close U.S. ally Israel and he did not rule out attacks on Israel-linked vessels or targets. The group says it is acting in solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians.
In March, Trump ordered the Pentagon to intensify strikes against the Houthis, in an operation known as Rough Rider. Since then, the U.S. military says it has struck more than 1,000 targets and says it has killed hundreds of the group's fighters along with some military leaders.
But after weeks of intensive U.S. strikes, the Houthis, who have controlled most of Yemen for nearly a decade, were still able to strike Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday, in a dramatic illustration of their resilience.
"(This operation shows) the Houthis can survive pretty much any bombing campaign," said one U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The group had carried out over 100 attacks on shipping lanes since Israel's war with Hamas began in October 2023.
Under the agreement, Oman said in its statement, neither the U.S. nor the Houthis would target the other, including U.S. vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Pentagon was notified as early as Monday evening that a ceasefire was possible, a second U.S. official told Reuters.
The Houthis endured nearly a decade of heavy strikes launched by a Saudi-led military coalition, but were able to rebuild to the point where they could threaten the U.S. Navy and Israel.
U.S. bombings have killed a significant number of mid-tier Houthi fighters who trained lower-level forces, a third U.S. official said, adding "their will to continue has been dramatically reduced."
Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think-tank, said the group could recover if weaponry continues to flow from its ally Iran.
"As long as the Houthis maintain a line of resupply to Iran and the Iranians continue to provide it, then it's not going to have any lasting effect," Knights told Reuters.
"They can recover."
DEPLETED BUT STILL POTENT
Under Joe Biden's administration, the United States and Britain retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi targets in an effort to keep open the Red Sea trading route - the path for about 15% of global shipping traffic.
Trump decided to intensify air strikes against the Houthis.
As of last month, ballistic missile launches by the Houthis dropped by 69% while drone attacks were down by more than 50% since the start of the campaign, according to the U.S. military.
But the group's attack on Israel on Sunday showed it can still stir chaos and escalate tensions in the region. Israel retaliated by launching airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port and its main airport in Sanaa.
Last week, a U.S. F-18 jet and its tow tractor fell overboard from an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.
While the event is still under investigation, officials told Reuters the Harry S. Truman carrier had to make a sharp turn because of a Houthi attack in the region. A second F-18 went off the side of the carrier into the sea on Tuesday.
The Houthi campaign has also been expensive for the U.S. military. The cost of the operation will likely be measured in the billions of dollars, according to a U.S. official.
The Houthis have also shot down seven U.S. MQ-9 drones -- each worth tens of millions of dollars -- in or around Yemen since Trump took office.
"What this shows is that the Houthis still have significant capabilities," the first official said. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump, EU's von der Leyen meet to clinch trade deal, rating chances 50-50
Trump, EU's von der Leyen meet to clinch trade deal, rating chances 50-50

Straits Times

time30 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

Trump, EU's von der Leyen meet to clinch trade deal, rating chances 50-50

TURNBERRY, Scotland - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met US President Donald Trump on Sunday to clinch a trade deal that would likely result in a 15 per cent tariff on most EU goods, but end months of uncertainty for European Union companies. US and EU negotiators huddled in final talks on tariffs facing crucial sectors like cars, steel, aluminium and pharmaceuticals before the meeting began at Trump's golf course in Turnberry, western Scotland. Trump, who had earlier played a round with his son, told reporters as he met von der Leyen that he wanted to correct a trading arrangement he said was "very unfair to the United States" and repeated his comments from Friday that the chances of a US-EU deal were 50-50, a view echoed by von der Leyen. "We have three or four sticking points I'd rather not get into. The main sticking point is fairness," he said insisting the EU had to open up to American products. Von der Leyen acknowledged there was a need for "rebalancing" EU-US trade. "We have a surplus, the United States has a deficit and we have to rebalance it... we will make it more sustainable," she said. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who flew to Scotland on Saturday, told "Fox News Sunday" that the EU needed to open its markets for more US exports to convince Trump to reduce a threatened 30 per cent tariff rate that is due to kick in on August 1. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 "The question is, do they offer President Trump a good enough deal that is worth it for him to step off of the 30 per cent tariffs that he set," Lutnick said, adding that the EU clearly wanted - and needed - to reach an agreement. A separate US administration official was upbeat that a deal was possible. "We're cautiously optimistic that there will be a deal reached," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But it's not over till it's over." The EU deal would be a huge prize, given that the US and EU are each other's largest trading partners by far and account for a third of global trade in goods and services. Ambassadors of EU governments, on a weekend trip to Greenland organised by the Danish presidency of the EU, held a teleconference with EU Commission officials on Sunday to agree on the amount of leeway von der Leyen would have. In case there is no deal and the US imposes 30 per cent tariffs from August 1, the EU has prepared counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros (S$139 billion) of US goods. EU diplomats have said a deal would likely include a broad 15 per cent tariff on EU goods imported into the US, mirroring the US-Japan trade deal, along with a 50 per cent tariff on European steel and aluminium for which there could be export quotas. EU officials are hopeful that a 15 per cent baseline tariff would also apply to cars, replacing the current 27.5 per cent auto tariff. Possible exemptions Some expect the 27-nation bloc may be able to secure exemptions from the 15 per cent baseline tariff for its aerospace industry and for spirits, though probably not for wine. The EU could also pledge to buy more liquefied natural gas from the US, a long-standing offer, and boost investment in the United States. Trump told reporters there was "not a lot" of wiggle room on the 50 per cent tariffs that the US has on steel and aluminium imports, adding, "because if I do it for one, I have to do it for all." The US president, in Scotland for a few days of golfing and bilateral meetings, said a deal with the EU should draw to a close discussions on tariffs, but also said pharmaceuticals, for which the United States is looking into new tariffs, would not be part of a deal. The EU now faces US tariffs on more than 70 per cent of its exports, with 50 per cent on steel and aluminium, an extra 25 per cent on cars and car parts on top of the existing 2.5 per cent and a 10 per cent levy on most other EU goods. EU officials have said a "no-deal" tariff rate of 30 per cent would wipe out whole chunks of transatlantic commerce. A 15 per cent tariff on most EU goods would remove uncertainty but would be seen by many in Europe as a poor outcome compared to the initial European ambition of a zero-for-zero tariff deal on all industrial goods. Seeking to learn from Japan, which secured a 15 per cent baseline tariff with the US in a deal almost a week ago, EU negotiators spoke to their Japanese counterparts in preparation for Sunday's meeting. For Trump, aiming to reorder the global economy and reduce decades-old US trade deficits, a deal with the EU would be the biggest trade agreement, surpassing the US$550 billion deal with Japan. So far, he has reeled in agreements with Britain, Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam, although his administration has failed to deliver on a promise of "90 deals in 90 days." REUTERS

Trump says Israel will have to decide on next steps in Gaza, pledges more aid
Trump says Israel will have to decide on next steps in Gaza, pledges more aid

Straits Times

time30 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

Trump says Israel will have to decide on next steps in Gaza, pledges more aid

FILE PHOTO: The son of displaced Palestinian woman Iman Suleiman, from Beit Lahiya, carries a box of aid the family received, distributed by the Emirates Red Crescent, in Gaza City, June 26, 2025. REUTERS/Khamis Al-Rifi/File Photo TURNBERRY, Scotland - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday Israel would have to make a decision on next steps in Gaza, adding that he did not know what would happen after the collapse of ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations with the Hamas militant group. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, saying they had suddenly "hardened" up on the issue, and said the U.S. would provide more aid to the war-torn Palestinian enclave. "They don't want to give them back, and so Israel is going to have to make a decision," Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland. "I know what I'd do, but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it. But Israel is going to have to make a decision," he said, while also claiming, without evidence, that Hamas members were stealing food coming into Gaza and selling it. Dozens of Gazans have died of malnutrition in recent weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry in the Hamas-run enclave. The ministry reported six new deaths over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition, bringing the total deaths from malnutrition and hunger to 133 including 87 children. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both appeared on Friday to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, saying it had become clear that the Palestinian group did not want a deal. Netanyahu said Israel was now mulling "alternative" options to achieve its goals of bringing its hostages home from Gaza and ending Hamas rule in the enclave, where starvation is spreading and most of the population is homeless amid widespread ruin. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Trump said he believed Hamas leaders would now be "hunted down", telling reporters: "Hamas really didn't want to make a deal. I think they want to die. And it's very bad. And it got to be to a point where you're going to have to finish the job." US TO PROVIDE MORE AID, TRUMP SAYS Trump on Sunday said the U.S. would provide more humanitarian aid to Gaza, where concerns are mounting about the worsening hunger, but wanted other countries to participate as well. He said he would discuss the issue with von der Leyen. "We're giving a lot of money, a lot of food, a lot of everything," he said. "If we weren't there, I think people would have starved, frankly. They would have starved, and it's not like they're eating well." He said he had spoken with Netanyahu and discussed a number of issues, including Iran. He said and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would also discuss Israel when they meet at Trump's golf property in Turnberry on Monday. Trump also noted said the United States was not acknowledged for earlier food aid for Gaza. "No other country gave anything," he said, calling out European countries in particular. "It makes you feel a little bad when you do that and, you know, you have other countries not giving anything... Nobody gave but us. And nobody said, Gee, thank you very much. And it would be nice to have at least a thank you." REUTERS

US, China to resume tariff talks in effort to extend truce by 90 days
US, China to resume tariff talks in effort to extend truce by 90 days

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

US, China to resume tariff talks in effort to extend truce by 90 days

Find out what's new on ST website and app. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng will lead tariff talks on July 28, in Stockholm. STOCKHOLM – Senior US and Chinese negotiators will meet in Stockholm on July 28 to tackle longstanding economic disputes at the centre of the countries' trade war, aiming to extend a truce keeping sharply higher tariffs at bay. The South China Morning Post reported on July 27 that the two sides are expected to agree to extend the truce by three more months. China is facing an Aug 12 deadline to reach a durable tariff agreement with President Donald Trump's administration, after Beijing and Washington reached a preliminary deal in June to end weeks of escalating tit-for-tat tariffs. Without an agreement, global supply chains could face renewed turmoil from duties exceeding 100 per cent. The Stockholm talks, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, take place a day after European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen meets Mr Trump at his golf course in Scotland to try to clinch a deal that would likely see a 15 per cent baseline tariff on most EU goods. Trade analysts on both sides of the Pacific say the discussions in the Swedish capital are unlikely to produce any breakthroughs but could prevent further escalation and help create conditions for Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet later in 2025. Previous US-China trade talks in Geneva and London in May and June focused on bringing US and Chinese retaliatory tariffs down from triple-digit levels and restoring the flow of rare earth minerals halted by China and Nvidia H20 AI chips and other goods halted by the United States. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 So far, the talks have not delved into broader economic issues. These include US complaints that China's state-led, export-driven model is flooding world markets with cheap goods, and Beijing's complaints that US national security export controls on tech goods seek to stunt Chinese growth. 'Stockholm will be the first meaningful round of US-China trade talks,' said Mr Bo Zhengyuan, Shanghai-based partner at China consultancy firm Plenum. Deals, deals, deals Mr Trump has been successful in pressuring some other trading partners, including Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines , into deals accepting higher US tariffs of 15 to 20 per cent. He said there was a 50-50 chance that the US and the 27-member European Union could also reach a framework trade pact, adding that Brussels wanted to 'make a deal very badly'. Two of Mr Trump's top trade officials, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, will attend the Scotland talks and then travel to Stockholm. Analysts say the US-China negotiations are far more complex and will require more time. China's grip on the global market for rare earth minerals and magnets, used in everything from military hardware to car windshield wiper motors, has proved to be an effective leverage point on US industries. Trump-Xi meeting? In the background of the talks is speculation about a possible meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Xi in late October. Mr Trump has said he will decide soon whether to visit China in a landmark trip to address trade and security tensions. A new flare-up of tariffs and export controls would likely derail any plans for a meeting with Mr Xi. 'The Stockholm meeting is an opportunity to start laying the groundwork for a Trump visit to China,' said Ms Wendy Cutler, vice-president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Mr Bessent has already said he wants to work out an extension of the Aug 12 deadline to prevent tariffs snapping back to 145 per cent on the US side and 125 per cent on the Chinese side. Still, China will likely request a reduction of multi-layered US tariffs totaling 55 per cent on most goods and further easing of US high-tech export controls, analysts said. Beijing has argued that such purchases would help reduce the US trade deficit with China, which reached US$295.5 billion (S$379 billion) in 2024. China is currently facing a 20 per cent tariff related to the US fentanyl crisis, a 10 per cent reciprocal tariff, and 25 per cent duties on most industrial goods imposed during Mr Trump's first term. Mr Bessent has also said he would discuss with Mr He the need for China to rebalance its economy away from exports toward domestic consumer demand. The shift would require China to put an end to a protracted property crisis and boost social safety nets to encourage household spending. Mr Michael Froman, a former US trade representative during former president Barack Obama's administration, said such a shift has been a goal of US policymakers for two decades. 'Can we effectively use tariffs to get China to fundamentally change their economic strategy? That remains to be seen,' said Mr Froman, now president of the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. REUTERS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store